Process for producing silyl phosphine compound and silyl phosphine compound

ABSTRACT

The silyl phosphine compound is represented by the following general formula (1). A content of a compound represented by the following general formula (2) is not more than 0.3 mol %. In the general formula (1), each R is independently an alkyl group having not less than 1 and not more than 5 carbon atoms or an aryl group having not less than 6 and not more than 10 carbon atoms. In the general formula (2), R is the same as in the general formula (1).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.16/332,176, filed on Mar. 11, 2019, which is a 371 of InternationalApplication No. PCT/JP2017/033724, filed on Sep. 19, 2017, which isbased upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior JapanesePatent Application No. 2016-191858, filed on Sep. 29, 2016.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a process for producing a silylphosphine compound that is useful as a phosphorus component raw materialof indium phosphide quantum dots.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, development of quantum dots as luminescent materialshas been under way. Development of cadmium-based quantum dots such asCdSe, CdTe and CdS that are typical quantum dots has been promoted fromtheir excellent optical properties, etc. However, since toxicity andenvironmental burden of cadmium are high, development of cadmium-freequantum dots is being expected.

One of the cadmium-free quantum dots is, for example, indium phosphide(InP). In the production of indium phosphide, a silyl phosphine compoundsuch as tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine is often used as a phosphoruscomponent raw material. Since the silyl phosphine compound such astris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine can be used in a solid state or in a stateof a liquid phase in which the compound is dissolved in a solvent, it isalso used as a phosphorus source of organic synthesis in circumstanceswhere a gaseous phosphorus source (phosphine or the like) cannot beused. As production processes for a silyl phosphine compound such astris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine, a few processes have been proposed (e.g.,Patent Literature 1 and Non Patent Literatures 1 to 3).

Of the production processes for a silyl phosphine compound, theproduction processes using phosphine, a silylating agent such astrimethylsilyl triflate and a basic compound, which are described inPatent Literature 1 and Non Patent Literature 1, are thought to beparticularly useful for carrying out industrial production from theviewpoints of reaction rate, purity of the product, etc. In these PatentLiterature 1 and Non Patent Literature 1, ethers are used as solventsfor use in the reaction.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent Literature 1: German Patent Laid-Open No. 274626

Non Patent Literature

-   Non Patent Literature 1: Z. anorg. Allg. Chem. 576 (1989) 281-283-   Non Patent Literature 2: Acta Crystallographica Section C, (1995),    C51, 1152-1155-   Non Patent Literature 3: J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1959, 81 (23), 6273-6275

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

However, the production processes for a silyl phosphine compounddescribed in Patent Literature 1 and Non Patent Literature 1 haveproblems in regard to purity and yield. In the process for obtaining asilyl phosphine compound by the reaction of phosphine, a silylatingagent and a basic compound in the presence of a solvent, safety of thesolvent that vaporizes when the reaction mixture is distilled has beenconsidered to be a problem.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aprocess for producing a silyl phosphine compound in which the safety ishigh, the reaction rate can be improved, and a silyl phosphine compoundof high purity is obtained.

In order to solve the above problem, the present inventors haveearnestly studied, and as a result, they have found that by using areaction solvent having a particular dielectric constant, not only isthe safety of the production enhanced but also the reaction rate can beimproved and a silyl phosphine compound of high purity is obtained, andthey have achieved the present invention.

That is to say, the present invention provides a process for producing asilyl phosphine compound, comprising: a first step of mixing a solventhaving a relative dielectric constant of not more than 4, a basiccompound, a silylating agent and phosphine to obtain a solutioncontaining a silyl phosphine compound; a second step of removing thesolvent from the solution containing a silyl phosphine compound toobtain a concentrated solution of a silyl phosphine compound; and athird step of distilling the concentrated solution of a silyl phosphinecompound to obtain a silyl phosphine compound.

In addition, the present invention provides a silyl phosphine compoundrepresented by the following general formula (1), wherein a content of acompound represented by the following general formula (2) is not morethan 0.5 mol %,

wherein each R is independently an alkyl group having not less than 1and not more than 5 carbon atoms or an aryl group having not less than 6and not more than 10 carbon atoms,

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a ³¹P-NMR spectrum of a recovered substance obtained inExample 1.

FIG. 2 is a gas chromatography spectrum of a recovered substanceobtained in Example 1.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the production process of the presentinvention and a preferred embodiment of a silyl phosphine compound aredescribed hereinafter. A silyl phosphine compound that is a desiredproduct in this production process is a tertiary compound, namely acompound in which three silyl groups are bonded to a phosphorus atom,and is preferably a compound represented by the following generalformula (1).

wherein each R is independently an alkyl group having not less than 1and not more than 5 carbon atoms or an aryl group having not less than 6and not more than 10 carbon atoms.

Examples of the alkyl groups having not less than 1 and not more than 5carbon atoms, the alkyl groups each being represented by R, includemethyl group, ethyl group, n-propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butylgroup, sec-butyl group, tert-butyl group, isobutyl group, n-amyl group,isoamyl group and tert-amyl group.

Examples of the aryl groups having not less than 6 and not more than 10carbon atoms, the aryl groups each being represented by R, includephenyl group, tolyl group, ethylphenyl group, propylphenyl group,isopropylphenyl group, butylphenyl group, sec-butylphenyl group,tert-butylphenyl group, isobutylphenyl group, methylethylphenyl groupand trimethylphenyl group.

These alkyl groups and aryl groups may each have one or two or moresubstituents, and examples of the substituents of the alkyl groupsinclude hydroxyl group, halogen atoms, cyano group and amino group, andexamples of the substituents of the aryl groups include alkyl groupshaving not less than 1 and not more than 5 carbon atoms, alkoxy groupshaving not less than 1 and not more than 5 carbon atoms, hydroxyl group,halogen atoms, cyano group and amino group. When the aryl group issubstituted by an alkyl group or an alkoxy group, the number of carbonatoms of the alkyl group or the alkoxy group is included in the numberof carbon atoms of the aryl group.

A plurality of R in the general formula (1) may be the same as ordifferent from one another (the same shall apply to each of the generalformula (I) and the general formulas (2) to (7) described later).Furthermore, three silyl groups (—SiR₃) present in the general formula(1) may also be the same as or different from one another. As the silylphosphine compound represented by the general formula (1), a compoundwherein R is an alkyl group having not less than 1 and not more than 4carbon atoms or a phenyl group that is unsubstituted or substituted byan alkyl group having not less than 1 and not more than 4 carbon atomsis preferable because it is excellent in reactivity with othermolecules, as a phosphorus source in the synthesis reaction, and atrimethylsilyl group is particularly preferable.

This production process includes a first step, a second step and a thirdstep. First, the first step is described.

(First Step)

In this step, a silylating agent, a basic compound, a solvent having arelative dielectric constant of not more than 4 and phosphine are mixedto obtain a solution containing a silyl phosphine compound. Inparticular, it is preferable to mix a mixed solution containing asilylating agent, a basic compound and a solvent having a relativedielectric constant of not more than 4 with phosphine to obtain asolution containing a silyl phosphine compound, from the viewpoints ofease of mixing of the components, workability and safety. Especially, itis more preferable to mix the mixed solution with phosphine to obtain asolution containing a silyl phosphine compound by introducing phosphineinto the mixed solution.

The silylating agent is preferably, for example, a compound representedby the following general formula (I) from the viewpoint of reactivitywith phosphine.

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1), and X is at leastone selected from a fluorosulfonic acid group, a fluoroalkanesulfonicacid group, an alkanesulfonic acid group and a perchloric acid group.

An example of the reaction of the present embodiment in the case wherethe silylating agent is a compound represented by the general formula(I) is shown as the following reaction formula.

wherein R and X are the same as those in the general formula (I), andB_(A) is a monovalent base.

The fluorosulfonic acid group represented by X is also represented by“—OSO₂F”. The fluoroalkanesulfonic acid group represented by X is, forexample, a perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid group. Examples thereof includea trifluoromethanesulfonic acid group (—OSO₂CF₃), apentafluoroethanesulfonic acid group (—OSO₂C₂F₅), aheptafluoropropanesulfonic acid group (—OSO₂C₃F₇), anonafluorobutanesulfonic acid group (—OSO₂C₄F₉) and anundecafluoropentanesulfonic acid group (—OSO₂C₅F₁₁). Examples of thealkanesulfonic acid groups represented by X include a methanesulfonicacid group (—OSO₂CH₃), an ethanesulfonic acid group (—OSO₂C₂H₅), apropanesulfonic acid group (—OSO₂C₃H₇), a butanesulfonic acid group(—OSO₂C₄H₉) and a pentanesulfonic acid group (—OSO₂C₅H₁₁). Theperchloric acid group represented by X is also represented by “—OClO₃”.In these formulas, “—” represents a bonding hand.

The silylating agent is preferably one in which R is an alkyl grouphaving not less than 1 and not more than 5 carbon atoms or a phenylgroup that is unsubstituted or substituted by an alkyl group having notless than 1 and not more than 5 carbon atoms, from the viewpoint ofexcellent reactivity. Alternatively, a silylating agent wherein X is aperfluoroalkanesulfonic acid group, particularly atrifluoromethanesulfonic acid group, is also preferable because it isexcellent in leaving properties from the silyl group. From theseviewpoints, it is preferable to particularly use, as the silylatingagent, one or two or more selected from trimethylsilyltrifluoromethanesulfonate, triethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate,tributylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, triisopropylsilyltrifluoromethanesulfonate and triphenylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate.

In addition to use of a specific solvent described later, it ispreferable that the amount of the silylating agent in the mixed solutionbe a specific amount from the viewpoint that formation of impurities,particularly secondary or primary silyl phosphine, is effectivelysuppressed. It is preferable that the ratio of the silylating agent tothe phosphine introduced into the mixed solution be not less than thereaction equivalent, that is, not less than 3 times the molar amount ofthe phosphine, and it is more preferable that the ratio be more than 3times, additionally not less than 3.01 times, particularly not less than3.05 times, the molar amount of the phosphine. From the viewpoint that aresidue of an excess silylating agent is reduced to enhance purity orthe production cost is decreased, it is preferable that the amount ofthe silylating agent in the mixed solution be an amount of such a degreeas is more than the reaction equivalent in the reaction with thephosphine but cannot be deemed to be excessive. From this viewpoint, theamount of the silylating agent in the mixed solution is preferably notmore than 2 times the reaction equivalent based on the phosphineintroduced into the mixed solution, that is, not more than 6 times,particularly preferably not more than 4 times, and most preferably notmore than 3.5 times, the molar amount of the phosphine introduced intothe mixed solution.

The secondary silyl phosphine that is an impurity is represented by, forexample, the following general formula (2).

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).

The primary silyl phosphine that is an impurity is represented by, forexample, the following general formula (3).

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).

The basic compounds include not only a base in a narrow sense that givesa hydroxide ion when it is dissolved in water but also a base in a broadsense such as a substance that receives a proton or a substance thatgives an electron pair. It is preferable that the basic compounds beparticularly amines because a side reaction with phosphine can besuppressed. Examples of the amines include primary, secondary ortertiary alkylamines; anilines; toluidine; piperidine; and pyridines.Examples of the primary, secondary or tertiary alkylamines includemethylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylamine, diethylamine,triethylamine, propylamine, diisopropylamine, butylamine, isobutylamine,dibutylamine, tributylamine, pentylamine, dipentylamine, tripentylamineand 2-ethylhexylamine. Examples of the anilines include aniline,N-methylaniline, N,N-dimethylaniline and N,N-diethylaniline. Examples ofthe pyridines include pyridine and 2,6-di(t-butyl)pyridine. These can beused singly or in combinations of two or more.

It is preferable to use one or two or more selected particularly frommethylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylamine, dimethylamine,triethylamine, ethylenediamine, aniline, toluidine, pyridine andpiperidine among the above compounds because the reaction efficientlyproceeds.

In addition to use of a specific solvent, it is preferable that theamount of the basic compound be a specific amount from the viewpointthat formation of impurities, particularly secondary or primary silylphosphine, is effectively suppressed. For example, it is preferable thatthe ratio of the basic compound in the mixed solution to the phosphineintroduced into the mixed solution be not less than the reactionequivalent, that is, when the basic compound is, for example, amonovalent base, it is preferable that the ratio be not less than 3times the molar amount of the phosphine, and it is more preferable thatthe ratio be more than 3 times, additionally not less than 3.3 times,particularly not less than 3.5 times, the molar amount of the phosphine.From the viewpoint of enhancement in the purity of a desired product ordecrease in the production cost, it is preferable that the amount of thebasic compound in the mixed solution be a large amount of such a degreeas does not become too excessive and preferably as cannot be deemed tobe excessive. From this viewpoint, the amount of the basic compound inthe mixed solution is preferably not more than 2 times the reactionequivalent based on the phosphine introduced into the mixed solution,and is preferably, for example, not more than 6 times, particularlypreferably not more than 5 times, and most preferably not more than 4times, the molar amount of the phosphine introduced into the mixedsolution.

In the mixed solution, the number of moles of the basic compound ispreferably not less than the number of moles of the silylating agent,and is preferably, for example, not less than 1.01 mol and not more than2 mol, and more preferably not less than 1.05 mol and not more than 1.5mol, per mol of the silylating agent.

The present inventor has earnestly studied a technique for enhancing ayield of a silyl phosphine compound and for obtaining a high purity inthe process for producing a silyl phosphine compound in which asilylating agent, a basic compound and phosphine are allowed to reactwith one another. As a result, it is thought that one of the reasons whyhigh purity and high yield have been conventionally difficult to obtainis that a hydrolyzate of a silyl phosphine compound that is a desiredproduct is sometimes formed in the conventional production process. As aresult of the earnest studies, it has been found that a solvent to bemixed with a silylating agent and a basic compound is important for theenhancement of purity and yield. As a result of further studies, it hasbeen found that when a solvent having a relative dielectric constant ofnot more than a specific value is used, the yield of the desired silylphosphine compound can be enhanced, and a high purity is obtained.Specifically, the solvent for use in the present invention has arelative dielectric constant of not more than 4.

The present inventor has thought that one of the reasons why the purityof the resulting silyl phosphine compound can be enhanced and the yieldis enhanced by using a solvent having a relative dielectric constant ofnot more than 4 is that by using a solvent that is not easily dissolvedin water, inclusion of water from an atmosphere is effectively preventedin the present invention. It is thought that owing to this, hydrolysisof a tertiary silyl phosphine compound is prevented, and formation of ahydrolyzate can be effectively suppressed. Examples of the hydrolyzatesof the tertiary silyl phosphine compounds include the aforesaid compoundrepresented by the general formula (2), the aforesaid compoundrepresented by the general formula (3), and a compound represented bythe following general formula (4).

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).

Moreover, the present inventor has thought that it is another reason forthe enhancement in yield and purity that by using a solvent having arelative dielectric constant of not more than 4, miscibility of thesilylating agent, the basic compound and phosphine with one anotherincreases. Improvement in miscibility enhances reaction efficiency tothereby raise the yield and suppresses formation of a by-product tothereby enhance the purity.

On the other hand, in the conventional production processes described inNon Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 1, an ether is used as asolvent, but ethers have relative dielectric constants of more than 4,as in the case of diethyl ether having a relative dielectric constant of4.3 and cyclopentyl methyl ether having a relative dielectric constantof 4.8 (see Table 1 described later). When solvents having relativedielectric constants of more than 4 are used, high purity and high yieldof a tertiary silyl phosphine compound are difficult to obtain, as shownin Comparative Examples 1 and 2 described later.

Furthermore, ethers have flammability or sometimes produce hydroperoxidethat is an explosive substance, and hence, when the solvent isevaporated in the distillation step of the third step, temperaturecontrol or atmosphere control is difficult, and in particular, there isa problem of high risk because the silyl phosphine compound sometimeshas spontaneous ignition properties. On the other hand, solvents havingrelative dielectric constants of more than 4 have such a risk of lowlevel and are easy to manage.

The relative dielectric constant refers to a ratio of a dielectricconstant of the substance to a dielectric constant of vacuum. Ingeneral, as the polarity of a solvent increases, the relative dielectricconstant increases. As the relative dielectric constants of solvents inthe present embodiment, values described in “Handbook of Chemistry: PureChemistry, 5th ed.” (edited by the Chemical Society of Japan, publishedon Feb. 20, 2004, pp. 11-620-11-622) can be used.

The solvent having a relative dielectric constant of not more than 4 isusually an organic solvent and is preferably a hydrocarbon. Specificexamples of the solvents having a relative dielectric constant of notmore than 4 include acyclic or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon compoundsand aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. The acyclic aliphatic hydrocarboncompounds are preferably those having not less than 5 and not more than10 carbon atoms, and particularly preferred examples thereof includepentane (relative dielectric constant 1.8371), n-hexane (relativedielectric constant 1.8865), n-heptane (relative dielectric constant1.9209), n-octane (relative dielectric constant 1.948), n-nonane(relative dielectric constant 1.9722) and n-decane (relative dielectricconstant 1.9853). The cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds arepreferably those having not less than 5 and not more than 8 carbonatoms, and particularly preferred examples thereof include cyclohexane(relative dielectric constant 2.0243) and cyclopentane (relativedielectric constant 1.9687). The aromatic hydrocarbon compounds arepreferably those having not less than 6 and not more than 10 carbonatoms, and particularly preferred examples thereof include benzene(relative dielectric constant 2.2825), toluene (relative dielectricconstant 2.379) and p-xylene (relative dielectric constant 2.2735).

The lower limit of the relative dielectric constant of the solventhaving a relative dielectric constant of not more than 4 is preferablynot less than 0.5 because the reaction due to the aforesaid reactionformula easily proceeds, and it is more preferably not less than 1. Theupper limit thereof is more preferably not more than 3.5, and still morepreferably not more than 3.

In order to easily remove the solvent from the desired product in thesecond step and the third step described later, the boiling point of thesolvent having a relative dielectric constant of not more than 4 ispreferably not higher than 200° C., and more preferably not lower than40° C. and not higher than 120° C.

The process for preparing a mixed solution of the solvent, the basiccompound and the silylating agent is not limited, and the threematerials may be introduced into a reaction vessel at the same time, orafter any one or two of them are introduced, the remainder may beintroduced. It is preferable to mix the silylating agent and the basiccompound with the solvent having been introduced in advance because themiscibility of the silylating agent with the basic compound is easilyenhanced.

It is preferable to dehydrate the solvent before use becausedecomposition of a silyl phosphine compound due to reaction with waterand formation of impurities caused by the decomposition are prevented.The water content in the solvent is preferably not more than 20 ppm bymass, and more preferably not more than 10 ppm by mass. The watercontent can be measured by the method described in the Examplesdescribed later. It is also preferable to deaerate the solvent to removeoxygen before use. The deaeration can be carried out by an arbitrarymethod such as replacement with an inert atmosphere in the reactor.

The amount of the solvent having a relative dielectric constant of notmore than 4 is not limited, and is preferably, for example, not lessthan 100 parts by mass and not more than 300 parts by mass, particularlynot less than 120 parts by mass and not more than 200 parts by mass, per100 parts by mass of the silylating agent because the reaction proceedsefficiently.

Into the resulting mixed solution, phosphine is introduced. Thephosphine is a gas represented by the molecular formula PH₃. Thereaction system for the reaction of the silylating agent with the basiccompound is preferably in an inert atmosphere because inclusion ofoxygen is prevented, and formation of a compound represented by thefollowing general formula (5) and a compound represented by thefollowing general formula (6), which are the following oxides, due tothe reaction of oxygen with the silyl phosphine compound is prevented.Examples of the inert gases include rare gases, such as nitrogen gas,helium gas and argon gas.

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).

When the phosphine is introduced, the liquid temperature of the mixedsolution is preferably not lower than 20° C. from the viewpoint ofenhancement in reaction rate and yield, and is preferably not higherthan 85° C. from the viewpoint of prevention of decomposition of thedesired product. From these viewpoints, the liquid temperature of themixed solution is more preferably not lower than 25° C. and not higherthan 70° C.

It is preferable to subject the resulting solution to aging before thesolution is subjected to solvent removal in the second step. This agingis preferably carried out at a temperature of not lower than 20° C. andnot higher than 60° C., and more preferably at a temperature of notlower than 20° C. and not higher than 50° C., from the viewpoint ofenhancement in reaction rate and yield. The time for aging is preferablynot shorter than 1 hour and not longer than 48 hours, and morepreferably not shorter than 2 hours and not longer than 24 hours. Thisaging is preferably carried out in an inert atmosphere.

Through the above first step, a solution containing a silyl phosphinecompound is obtained.

Further, a second step of removing (separating) at least a part of thesolvent from the solution containing a silyl phosphine compound toobtain a concentrated solution of a silyl phosphine compound is carriedout. By removing the solvent through concentration in the second stepbefore distillation as described above, the amount of the solventdistillated away in the third step described later is reduced, so that adecrease in the yield of the silyl phosphine compound accompanying thesolvent distillation during the distillation can be prevented, andthermal alteration or decomposition of the silyl phosphine compound thatis a desired product can be prevented.

After the first step, preferably after the aforesaid aging treatment, atreatment to remove a salt HB_(A) ⁺X⁻ that is a by-product is preferablycarried out prior to the second step.

Specifically, by allowing the solution containing a silyl phosphinecompound obtained in the first step (preferably the step including theaforesaid aging treatment) to stand still, a layer containing a silylphosphine compound and a layer containing HB_(A) ⁺X⁻ are separated fromeach other, and the latter is removed by liquid separation, wherebyHB_(A) ⁺X⁻ can be removed. The time for standing is preferably notshorter than 0.5 hours and not longer than 48 hours, and more preferablynot shorter than 1 hour and not longer than 24 hours. The liquidseparation is preferably carried out in an inert atmosphere.

(Second Step)

The technique to remove the solvent in the second step is, for example,a technique of heating the solution containing a silyl phosphinecompound under reduced pressure and under the condition that the desiredsilyl phosphine compound almost remains, to evaporate the solvent. Thistreatment can be carried out by an arbitrary distillator for removing asolvent, such as a rotary evaporator. When the solution containing asilyl phosphine compound is heated under reduced pressure in the secondstep, the maximum liquid temperature is preferably not lower than 20° C.and not higher than 140° C., and more preferably not lower than 25° C.and not higher than 90° C., from the viewpoint of efficient solventremoval and the viewpoint of prevention of decomposition or alterationof the silyl phosphine compound. From the same viewpoints, the pressure(minimum pressure) at the time of reduced pressure is preferably notless than 2 kPa and not more than 20 kPa, and more preferably not lessthan 5 kPa and not more than 10 kPa, in terms of absolute pressure. Theconcentration is preferably carried out in an inert atmosphere.

After the second step, the amount of the silyl phosphine compound in thesolution containing a silyl phosphine compound is preferably not morethan 5 mass %, and more preferably not more than 1 mass %, in terms of adecrease ratio to the amount of a silyl phosphine compound in thesolution at the beginning of the second step. This amount can bemeasured by ³¹P-NMR. The mass of the concentrated solution obtained inthe second step is preferably not less than 10% of the mass of thesolution containing a silyl phosphine compound obtained in the firststep from the viewpoint of enhancement in yield, and is preferably notmore than 50% from the viewpoint that the amount of the solventremaining in the next third step is reduced to thereby enhance purity.

(Third Step)

Subsequently, a third step of distilling the concentrated solutionobtained in the second step is carried out. The conditions for thedistillation are conditions under which the silyl phosphine compoundvaporizes, and from the viewpoint of excellent separability of thedesired compound, the distillation temperature (column top temperature)is preferably not lower than 50° C. From the viewpoint of suppression ofdecomposition or quality maintenance of the desired compound, thedistillation temperature is preferably not higher than 150° C. Fromthese viewpoints, the distillation temperature is preferably not lowerthan 50° C. and not higher than 150° C., and more preferably not lowerthan 70° C. and not higher than 120° C.

The pressure during the distillation is preferably not less than 0.01kPa in terms of absolute pressure because a desired compound of highpurity can be efficiently recovered. The pressure during thedistillation is preferably not more than 5 kPa in terms of absolutepressure because decomposition or alteration of the silyl phosphinecompound can be suppressed and the silyl phosphine compound is easilyobtained with high purity in high yield. From these reasons, thepressure during the distillation is preferably not less than 0.01 kPaand not more than 5 kPa, and more preferably not less than 0.1 kPa andnot more than 4 kPa. The distillation is preferably carried out in aninert atmosphere.

In a first fraction, the solvent, the basic compound, the silylatingagent, a slight amount of a decomposition product of each component,etc. are contained, and therefore, by removing them, the purity can beenhanced.

After the third step, the amount of the silyl phosphine compound in thedistillation residue after vaporization of the silyl phosphine compoundis preferably not less than 90 mass %, and more preferably not less than95 mass %, in terms of a decrease ratio to the amount of the silylphosphine compound in the solution containing a silyl phosphine compoundat the beginning of the third step. This amount can be measured by³¹P-NMR.

In this step, a compound represented by the following general formula(7) can be removed. The compound represented by the formula (7) is aby-product of the reaction of the silylating agent with phosphine, andby the distillation in the third step, this compound is removed as ahigh-boiling component.

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).

Through the above third step, the desired silyl phosphine compound isobtained. The resulting silyl phosphine compound is in the form of asolid such as a powder, and is stored in the form of a liquid or a solidin an environment where contact with oxygen, water and the like iseliminated as much as possible, or is stored in the form of a dispersionof the compound in an appropriate solvent. In dispersions, solutions areincluded.

The solvent for dispersing the silyl phosphine compound is an organicsolvent, and it is preferable that the solvent be particularly anon-polar solvent because inclusion of water is inhibited to preventdecomposition of the silyl phosphine compound. Examples of the non-polarsolvents include saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, unsaturated aliphatichydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, and trialkylphosphines.Examples of the saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons include n-hexane,n-heptane, n-octane, n-nonane, n-decane, n-dodecane, n-hexadecane andn-octadecane. Examples of the unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons include1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-hexadecene and 1-octadecene. Examples of thearomatic hydrocarbons include benzene, toluene, xylene and styrene.Examples of the trialkylphosphines include triethylphosphine,tributylphosphine, tridecylphosphine, trihexylphosphine,trioctylphosphine, tridodecylphosphine and tridodecylphosphine. Theboiling point of the organic solvent for dispersing the silyl phosphinecompound is preferably high because handling of the silyl phosphinecompound having spontaneous ignition properties, such as storage andtransportation, can be safely carried out. The boiling point of theorganic solvent is preferably not lower than 50° C., and more preferablynot lower than 60° C. The upper limit of the boiling point of theorganic solvent is preferably not higher than 270° C. (absolute pressure0.1 kpa) from the viewpoint of influence on the properties of organicsynthetic products and quantum dots produced using this as a rawmaterial.

It is preferable to sufficiently dehydrate the solvent before the silylphosphine compound is dispersed because decomposition of the silylphosphine compound due to the reaction with water and formation ofimpurities due to the decomposition are prevented. The water content inthe solvent is preferably not more than 20 ppm by mass, and morepreferably not more than 10 ppm by mass. The water content can bemeasured by the method described in the Examples described later.

In order to prepare such conditions, for example, the solvent isdeaerated and dehydrated while being heated under reduced pressure orvacuum conditions, thereafter the solvent is mixed with a silylphosphine compound in a nitrogen gas atmosphere, and the mixture ispoured into an airtight container.

Through these treatments, a dispersion of a silyl phosphine compoundhaving been sufficiently decreased in the amount of impurities can beeasily obtained.

In the dispersion of a silyl phosphine compound, the ratio of the silylphosphine compound is preferably not less than 3 mass % and not morethan 50 mass %, and more preferably not less than 8 mass % and not morethan 30 mass.

Next, the silyl phosphine compound of the present invention isdescribed.

In the silyl phosphine compound of the present invention, the amount ofthe compound represented by the general formula (2) that is an impurityhaving been conventionally considered to be difficult to remove isextremely small. Specifically, the content of the compound representedby the general formula (2) in the silyl phosphine compound of thepresent invention is not more than 0.5 mol %, and is preferably not morethan 0.3 mol %. In the silyl phosphine compound of the presentinvention, the amount of the impurity that is difficult to remove by aconventional production process has been decreased, and therefore, anevil influence that the properties of organic synthetic products orquantum dots produced using this as a raw material are impaired or theproperties of the resulting products are impaired can be effectivelyprevented. In order to reduce the amount of the compound represented bythe general formula (2) to not more than the upper limit, the compoundrepresented by the general formula (1) only needs to be produced by theaforesaid production process of the present invention, or thequantitative ratio between the silylating agent and phosphine only needsto be controlled. The content of the compound represented by the generalformula (2) is a ratio to the compound represented by the generalformula (1). The contents of the compound represented by the generalformula (1) and the compound represented by the general formula (2) canbe measured by, for example, the method described in the Examplesdescribed later using the analysis based on ³¹P-NMR.

Furthermore, it is preferable that as a raw material of quantum dots orchemical synthesis, the silyl phosphine compound of the presentinvention also contains extremely small amounts of other impurities thathave been conventionally considered to be difficult to remove.

Specifically, the content of the compound represented by the generalformula (3) is preferably not more than 0.1 mol %, more preferably notmore than 0.08 mol %, and particularly preferably not more than 0.05 mol%. In this case, since in the silyl phosphine compound of the presentinvention, the amount of the impurity having been conventionallydifficult to remove has been reduced, the above-described evil influencecan be more effectively prevented. In order to reduce the amount of thecompound represented by the general formula (3) to not more than theupper limit, the compound represented by the general formula (1) onlyneeds to be produced by the aforesaid production process of the presentinvention, or the quantitative ratio between the silylating agent andphosphine only needs to be controlled. The content of the compoundrepresented by the general formula (3) is a ratio to the compoundrepresented by the general formula (1). The content of the compoundrepresented by the general formula (3) can be measured by, for example,the method described in the Examples described later using the analysisbased on ³¹P-NMR.

In the silyl phosphine compound of the present invention, the content ofthe silyl ether compound represented by the general formula (4) ispreferably not more than 0.50 mol %, more preferably not more than 0.30mol %, and still more preferably not more than 0.15 mol %. By reducingthe amount of the impurity having been conventionally difficult toremove, as described above, the aforesaid evil influence can be moreeffectively prevented. The content of the compound represented by thegeneral formula (4) is a ratio to the compound represented by thegeneral formula (1). In order to reduce the amount of the compoundrepresented by the general formula (4) to not more than the upper limit,the compound represented by the general formula (1) only needs to beproduced by the aforesaid production process of the present invention.The content of the compound represented by the general formula (4) canbe measured by, for example, the method described in the Examplesdescribed later using the analysis based on gas chromatography.

In the silyl phosphine compound of the present invention, the content ofthe compound represented by the general formula (5) is preferably notmore than 0.30 mol %, more preferably not more than 0.15 mol %, andparticularly preferably not more than 0.05 mol %. The content of thecompound represented by the general formula (5) is a ratio to thecompound represented by the general formula (1). In order to reduce theamount of the compound represented by the general formula (5) to notmore than the upper limit, the first step to the third step in theproduction of the compound represented by the general formula (1) by theaforesaid production process of the present invention only need to becarried out in an inert atmosphere. The content of the compoundrepresented by the general formula (5) can be measured by, for example,the method described in the Examples described later using the analysisbased on ³¹P-NMR.

In the silyl phosphine compound of the present invention, the content ofthe compound represented by the general formula (6) is preferably notmore than 0.30 mol %, more preferably not more than 0.15 mol %, andparticularly preferably not more than 0.05 mol %. In order to reduce theamount of the compound represented by the general formula (6) to notmore than the upper limit, the first step to the third step in theproduction of the compound represented by the general formula (1) by theaforesaid production process of the present invention only need to becarried out in an inert atmosphere. The content of the compoundrepresented by the general formula (6) is a ratio to the compoundrepresented by the general formula (1). The content of the compoundrepresented by the general formula (6) can be measured by, for example,the method described in the Examples described later using the analysisbased on ³¹P-NMR.

In the silyl phosphine compound of the present invention, the content ofthe compound represented by the general formula (7) is preferably notmore than 1.0 mol %, more preferably not more than 0.5 mol %, andparticularly preferably not more than 0.2 mol %. In order to reduce theamount of the compound represented by the general formula (7) to notmore than the upper limit, a high-boiling component only needs to beseparated in the aforesaid production process of the present invention.The content of the compound represented by the general formula (7) is aratio to the compound represented by the general formula (1). Thecontent of the compound represented by the general formula (7) can bemeasured by, for example, the method described in the Examples describedlater using the analysis based on 31P-NMR.

In the silyl phosphine compound of the present invention, the content ofthe compound represented by the general formula (1) is preferably notless than 99.0 mol %, more preferably not less than 99.3 mol %, andparticularly preferably not less than 99.5 mol %. The amount of thecompound represented by the general formula (1) can be measured by, forexample, the method described in the Examples described later using theanalysis based on ³¹P-NMR.

The above-described preferred ratios of the compounds represented by theformulas (2) to (7) to the compound represented by the formula (1) areapplicable also to the case where the silyl phosphine compound ispresent in the form of a solid such as a powder and also to the casewhere the silyl phosphine compound is present in the state of beingdispersed in a solvent. That is to say, in the former case, theabove-described preferred mole ratios of the compounds represented bythe formulas (2) to (7) mean mole ratios of the compounds represented bythe formulas (2) to (7) to the compound of the formula (1) in a solidsuch as a powder composed of the silyl phosphine compound. In the lattercase, the above-described preferred mole ratios mean mole ratios of thecompounds represented by the formulas (2) to (7) to the compound of theformula (1) in a dispersion in which the silyl phosphine compound isdispersed.

As described above, the silyl phosphine compound obtained by theproduction process of the present invention and the silyl phosphinecompound of the present invention are inhibited from inclusion ofimpurities as much as possible and prevented from being colored anddecomposed. Owing to this, when the silyl phosphine compound is used asa raw material for organic synthesis (e.g., production of phosphinine orthe like) or for producing indium phosphide, evil influences, such asinhibition of production reaction, decrease in yield and lowering ofproperties of the resulting organic compound or indium phosphide, can beeffectively prevented.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is described below in more detail with referenceto Examples, but the present invention is not limited to those Examples.

Example 1

A reaction vessel was charged with 189.8 kg of toluene (water content bymass: not more than 20 ppm) having been deaerated and dehydrated, andthen charged with 82 kg of triethylamine and 149.5 kg of trimethylsilyltrifluoromethanesulfonate, and the reaction vessel was purged withnitrogen, followed by adjusting the liquid temperature to 30° C.

The reaction vessel was charged with 7.4 kg of phosphine gas over aperiod of 3 hours, and the liquid temperature was adjusted to 35° C.,followed by carrying out aging for 4 hours.

The resulting reaction solution of 424.9 kg had separated into twolayers, and after they were allowed to stand still for 12 hours in orderto use the upper layer, the lower layer was separated. In order toremove a low-boiling component, the upper layer was concentrated by aconcentration can under reduced pressure until the final pressure became6.3 KPa in terms of absolute pressure and the liquid temperature became70° C., thereby obtaining 60.1 kg of a concentrated solution. In thesolution containing a silyl phosphine compound after the second step,the amount of the silyl phosphine compound was 3.2 mass % in terms of adecrease ratio to the amount of the silyl phosphine compound in thesolution at the beginning of the second step.

The resulting concentrated solution was distilled at a column toptemperature of 85° C. under reduced pressure of 0.5 KPa, then a firstfraction was removed, and thereafter, 49.3 kg of a main fraction wasrecovered, thereby obtaining a recovered substance. After the thirdstep, the amount of the silyl phosphine compound in the distillationresidue after vaporization of the silyl phosphine compound was 93 mass %in terms of a decrease ratio to the amount of the silyl phosphinecompound in the solution containing a silyl phosphine compound at thebeginning of the third step.

By the analysis based on ³¹P-NMR under the following conditions, therecovered substance (liquid) was confirmed to betris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine (TMSP), and its purity and yield weremeasured. The results are set forth in Table 1 described below.Furthermore, a spectrum obtained by the analysis based on ³¹P-NMR isshown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, a peak of TMSP that was a desired productwas observed at 8-251.225 ppm. In FIG. 1, peaks of the compoundsrepresented by the formulas (2) to (7) were not observed, but in theanalysis based on ³¹P-NMR under the above conditions, usually, the peakposition of the compound represented by the formula (2) (R is methyl) isδ-237.4 (d, J=186 Hz) ppm, the peak position of the compound representedby the formula (3) (R is methyl) is δ-239±2.0 (q, J=180 Hz), the peakposition of the compound represented by the formula (5) (R is methyl) is115.1 ppm, the peak position of the compound represented by the formula(6) (R is methyl) is 24.2 ppm, and the peak position of the compoundrepresented by the formula (7) (R is methyl) is −244.1 ppm.

On the basis of the above spectrum, the contents of the compoundsrepresented by the formulas (2), (3), (5), (6) and (7) (in each, R ismethyl) in the tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine were measured by theanalysis based on ³¹P-NMR. The results are set forth in Table 2described below.

In addition, the content of the compound represented by the formula (4)(R is methyl) in the tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine was measured by gaschromatography analysis. The result is set forth in Table 2 describedbelow. A spectrum obtained by the gas chromatography analysis is shownin FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, a peak of a peak number 1 is derived from thecompound represented by the formula (4).

Measurement conditions for ³¹P-NMR: A sample to be measured wasdissolved in deuterated benzene in such a manner that the concentrationbecame 20 mass %. The resulting solution was measured by JNM-ECA500manufactured by JEOL Ltd. under the following conditions. Observationfrequency: 202.4 MHz, pulse: 45 degrees, capture time: 5 seconds,cumulative number of times: 256 times, measuring temperature: 22° C.,standard substance: 85 mass % phosphoric acid

Measurement Conditions for Gas Chromatography:

A measurement sample was subdivided into containers with septum caps inan inert gas atmosphere, and 0.2 μL of the measurement sample wasinjected into a gas chromatography (manufactured by ShimadzuCorporation, “GC-2010”) by a syringe, followed by measurement under thefollowing conditions.

-   -   Column: manufactured by Agilent J&W, “DB1” (inner diameter 0.25        mm, length 30 m), injection temperature: 250° C., detector        temperature: 300° C.    -   Detector: FID, carrier gas: He (100 kPa pressure)    -   Split ratio: 1:100    -   Temperature rise conditions: maintenance of 50° C.×3        minutes→heating up to 200° C. at heating rate of 10°        C./min→heating up to 300° C. at heating rate of 50°        C./min→maintenance of 300° C.×10 minutes

Example 2

A reaction vessel was charged with 144.1 g of n-hexane (water content bymass: not more than 10 ppm) having been deaerated and dehydrated, andthen charged with 82 g of triethylamine and 149.5 g of trimethylsilyltrifluoromethanesulfonate, and the reaction vessel was purged withnitrogen, followed by adjusting the liquid temperature to 30° C.

The reaction vessel was charged with 7.4 g of phosphine gas over aperiod of 3 hours, and the liquid temperature was adjusted to 35° C.,followed by carrying out aging for 4 hours.

The resulting reaction solution of 380 g had separated into two layers,and after they were allowed to stand still for 12 hours in order to usethe upper layer, the lower layer was separated. In order to remove alow-boiling component, the upper layer was concentrated by aconcentration can under reduced pressure until the final pressure became2.2 KPa and the liquid temperature became 70° C., thereby obtaining 58.4g of a concentrated solution.

The resulting concentrated solution was distilled at a column toptemperature of 85° C. under reduced pressure of 0.5 KPa, and a firstfraction was removed, followed by recovering 49.4 g of a main fraction.

By the analysis based on ³¹P-NMR under the above conditions, therecovered substance (liquid) was confirmed to betris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine, and its purity and yield were measured.The results are set forth in Table 1.

In addition, the contents of the compounds of the formulas (2) to (7)were measured in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are setforth in Table 2.

Comparative Example 1 described below is a Comparative Example in whichexcept for changing the solvent to the same diethyl ether as in NonPatent Literature 1, the same operations as in Example 2 were carriedout.

Comparative Example 1

A reaction vessel was charged with 156.9 g of diethyl ether (watercontent by mass: not more than 10 ppm) having been deaerated anddehydrated, and then charged with 82 g of triethylamine and 149.5 g oftrimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, and the reaction vessel waspurged with nitrogen, followed by adjusting the liquid temperature to30° C.

The reaction vessel was charged with 7.4 g of phosphine gas over aperiod of 3 hours, and the liquid temperature was adjusted to 35° C.,followed by carrying out aging for 4 hours.

The resulting reaction solution of 424.9 g had separated into twolayers, and after they were allowed to stand still for 12 hours in orderto use the upper layer, the lower layer was separated. In order toremove a low-boiling component, the upper layer was concentrated by aconcentration can under reduced pressure until the final pressure became2.2 KPa and the liquid temperature became 70° C., thereby obtaining 59.1g of a concentrated solution.

The resulting concentrated solution was distilled at a column toptemperature of 85° C. under reduced pressure of 0.5 KPa, and a firstfraction was removed, followed by recovering 49.4 g of a main fraction.

By the analysis based on ³¹P-NMR under the above conditions, purity andyield of tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine in the recovered substance weremeasured. The results are set forth in Table 1. In addition, thecontents of the compounds of the formulas (2) to (7) were measured inthe same manner as in Example 1. The results are set forth in Table 2.

Comparative Example 2 described below is a Comparative Example in whichexcept for changing the solvent to cyclopentyl methyl ether, the sameoperations as in Example 2 were carried out.

Comparative Example 2

A reaction vessel was charged with 2150 g of cyclopentyl methyl ether(water content by mass: not more than 10 ppm) having been deaerated anddehydrated, and then charged with 121.4 g of triethylamine and 280 g oftrimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, and the reaction vessel waspurged with nitrogen, followed by adjusting the liquid temperature to30° C.

The reaction vessel was charged with 14.4 g of phosphine gas over aperiod of 15 minutes, and the liquid temperature was adjusted to 35° C.,followed by carrying out aging for 4 hours.

The resulting reaction solution of 2480.66 g had separated into twolayers, and after they were allowed to stand still for 12 hours in orderto use the upper layer, the lower layer was separated. In order toremove a low-boiling component, the upper layer was concentrated by aconcentration can until the final pressure became 2.2 KPa and the liquidtemperature became 70° C., thereby obtaining 110 g of a concentratedsolution.

The resulting concentrated solution was distilled at a column toptemperature of 85° C. under reduced pressure of 0.5 KPa, and a firstfraction was removed, followed by recovering 97.3 g of a main fraction.

By the analysis based on ³¹P-NMR under the above conditions, purity andyield of tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine in the recovered substance weremeasured. The results are set forth in Table 1. In addition, thecontents of the compounds of the formulas (2) to (7) were measured inthe same manner as in Example 1. The results are set forth in Table 2.

TABLE 1 Solvent Relative dielectric Purity Yield Type constant (mol %)(mass %) Ex. 1 toluene 2.4 99.6 90 Ex. 2 n-hexane 1.9 99.3 90 Comp. Ex.1 diethyl ether 4.3 98.3 90 Comp. Ex. 2 cyclopentyl methyl ether 4.898.1 90

TABLE 2 Compound Compound Compound Compound Compound Compoundrepresented represented represented represented represented representedby general by general by general by general by general by generalformula (2) formula (3) formula (4) formula (5) formula (6) formula (7)(mol %) (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) Ex. 1 0.15 N.D. 0.08N.D. N.D. 0.10 Ex. 2 0.20 N.D. 0.10 0.05 0.05 0.21 Comp. Ex. 1 0.35 N.D.0.18 0.10 0.1 0.26 Comp. Ex. 2 0.55 N.D. 0.28 0.10 0.2 0.40 N.D. . . .not more than detection limit (detection limit: less than 0.05 mol %)

As shown in Table 1 and Table 2, in Examples 1 and 2, a silyl phosphinecompound was obtained with a high purity of not less than 99% and in ahigh yield of not less than 90%. On the other hand, in ComparativeExamples 1 and 2, it was indicated that a yield of the same level as inExamples 1 and 2 was obtained but the purity was inferior.

In Examples 1 and 2, it was indicated that the amounts of the compoundsrepresented by the formulas (2) to (7) that were impurities wereextremely slight and significantly smaller than the amounts inComparative Examples 1 and 2.

Example 3

As an organic solvent, 1-octadecene (water content by mass: 5.4 ppm)having been deaerated and dehydrated by heating under the vacuumconditions was used. In a closed space, 89.2 parts by mass of thisorganic solvent and 10.8 parts by mass of the silyl phosphine compoundobtained in Example 1 were mixed in a nitrogen atmosphere to obtain asilyl phosphine compound solution. A sealed container was charged withthis solution as it was, and after the lapse of 12 hours, the amounts ofthe compounds of the formulas (2) to (7) in the resulting solution weremeasured by the following method. The results are set forth in Table 3.The water content was measured using a Karl Fischer Moisture Titrator(MKC-610 manufactured by Kyoto Electronics Manufacturing Co., Ltd.).

Water Content Measuring Method:

In measuring cells, reagents used: Aquamicron AS (generator electrolyte)and a counter electrolyte Aquamicron CXU (counter electrolyte) wereplaced, and then they were sufficiently stabilized. After thestabilization, 5 g of the solution was taken into a gas-tight syringe ofnot less than 5 ml having been purged with nitrogen, and introduced intothe generator electrolyte, followed by measurement.

(Measuring Method for Amounts of Compounds of Formulas (2) to (7) inSolution)

The contents of the compounds represented by the aforesaid formulas (1),(2), (3), (5), (6) and (7) in the solution were measured by the analysisbased on 31P-NMR. The measurement conditions for ³¹P-NMR were the sameas the conditions for the analysis of the solution based on ³¹P-NMR,except that the sample was prepared in the following manner. The ratiosof the compounds of the formulas (2), (3), (5), (6) and (7) (in each, Ris methyl) to the compound represented by the formula (1) are set forthin Table 3 described below.

(Process for Preparing Measurement Sample for ³¹P-NMR)

In an inert gas atmosphere, 0.4 ml of the solution and 0.2 ml ofdeuterated benzene were mixed to prepare a sample tube.

In addition, the contents of the compounds represented by the formulas(1) and (4) (R is methyl) in the solution were measured by gaschromatography analysis. The measurement conditions for gaschromatography were the same as the conditions for the analysis of theTMSP solution based on gas chromatography, except that the preparationprocess for the sample and the injection amount of the sample werechanged in the following manner. The ratio of the compound of theformula (4) to the compound represented by the formula (1) is set forthin Table 3 described below.

(Process for Preparing Measurement Sample for Gas Chromatography)

In an inert gas atmosphere, 10 mL of dehydrated grade hexane was mixedwith 1 ml of a TMSP dilute solution to prepare a solution. Into the gaschromatography, 1.0 μL of the measurement sample was injected by asyringe, followed by measurement.

Example 4

As an organic solvent, trioctyl phosphine (water content by mass: notmore than 5 ppm) having been deaerated and dehydrated by distillationwas used. Instead of the silyl phosphine compound obtained in Example 1,the silyl phosphine compound obtained in Example 2 was used. A silylphosphine compound solution was obtained in the same manner as inExample 3 except for these points. The ratios of the compounds of theformulas (2) to (7) to the compound of the formula (1) in the resultingsolution were measured in the same manner as in Example 3, and theresults are set forth in Table 3.

Reference Example 1

As an organic solvent, 1-octadecene (water content by mass: 40 ppm) nothaving been deaerated and dehydrated was used. A silyl phosphinecompound solution was obtained in the same manner as in Example 3 exceptfor this point. The ratios of the compounds of the formulas (2) to (7)to the compound of the formula (1) in the resulting solution weremeasured in the same manner as in Example 3, and the results are setforth in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Compound Compound Compound Compound Compound Compoundrepresented represented represented represented represented representedby general by general by general by general by general by generalformula (2) formula (3) formula 4) formula (5) formula (6) formula (7)(mol %) (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) Ex. 3 0.15 N.D. 0.08N.D. N.D. 0.10 Ex. 4 0.20 N.D. 0.10 0.05 0.05 0.21 Ref. Ex. 1 0.45 N.D.0.32 0.21 0.25 0.10

As shown in Table 3, it was understood that by mixing a silyl phosphinecompound with an organic solvent having been decreased in water content,the amounts of the compounds represented by the general formulas (2) to(7) were able to be maintained at a low level.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The process for producing a silyl phosphine compound of the presentinvention not only exhibits high safety but also can improve a reactionrate and can effectively suppress formation of impurities. On thisaccount, in this production process, a silyl phosphine compound that isuseful as a raw material of indium phosphide quantum dots or chemicalsynthesis can be produced by an industrially advantageous process. Thesilyl phosphine compound of the present invention is useful as a rawmaterial of indium phosphide quantum dots or chemical synthesis.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine compoundrepresented by the following general formula (1), wherein a content of acompound represented by the following general formula (2) is from 0.15mol % to 0.3 mol %,

wherein each R is methyl group,

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).
 2. Thetris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine compound according to claim 1, wherein acontent of a compound represented by the following general formula (3)is more than 0.05 mol % and not more than 0.1 mol %,

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).
 3. Thetris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine compound according to claim 1, wherein acontent of a compound represented by the following general formula (4)is 0.08 mol % to 0.5 mol %,

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).
 4. Thetris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine compound according to claim 1, wherein acontent of a compound represented by the following general formula (5)is not more than 0.05 mol %,

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).
 5. Thetris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine compound according to claim 1, wherein acontent of a compound represented by the following general formula (6)is not more than 0.05 mol %,

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).
 6. Thetris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine compound according to claim 1, wherein acontent of a compound represented by the following general formula (7)is from 0.10 mol % to 0.2 mol %,

wherein R is the same as in the general formula (1).
 7. Thetris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine compound according to claim 1, beingpresent in a state of being dispersed in an organic solvent.
 8. Thetris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine compound according to claim 1 forpreparing indium phosphide.